Questions to ask before your first family RV trip

If you’re traveling with young children, car seats should be a primary consideration as you’re selecting an RV model to rent or purchase. To ensure your child’s safety, seek out car seat-friendly rigs that are mounted directly to the vehicle’s frame. Generally, state laws require that car seats be installed in RVs according to the manufacturer’s instructions for normal vehicles.  If you’re riding with children who use regular car seats or boosters, make sure that they can be strapped into the RV facing forward, rather than attached to a side or rear facing bench. If you have a newborn or toddler on board, double check with the RV owner that the RV is safely equipped to accommodate a back-facing seat. 

While other road trips can safely rely on a morning-of GPS entry, RV routes require a bit more research and planning. You can research the best RV-compatible roads, routes, and gas stops on the way to your destination ahead of time using apps like Togo RV and Roadtrippers.

Plan and prioritize stops

While searching for RV-compatible gas stations, it’s a good idea to map out your rest stops, too. This can easily be done using an app like AllStays. You might consider staying or stopping at a full service park; at minimum, you’ll have access to full electrical, sewage, and running water hookups. As RV vacations are becoming more popular, more full service stops are adding more practical, recreational, and social features. Today, many offer WiFi, laundry, exercise classes, hiking and biking trail access, outdoor movie nights, mini golf, and more. Also, remember to give the driver a break; driving a vehicle as large as an RV can be more stressful than a car. It is recommended that 1-2 rest days are planned for every week of driving. Planning to stop driving for the day in the mid afternoon allows ample time for recuperation, with wiggle room in case of delays.